justjoseph63

And then there were 30... (spots left, that is). Congrats to Leonard Chamberlin (TK 504210- Imc3) for reaching Expert Infantry!

Way to go, Leonard!!

6mm will be fine.

Hi Stephanie! I have been trooping in my AM armor for about 5 years, and it's built like a tank! No cracks, splits or yellowing issues, and the customer service is top notch. It's design allows it to be used for larger troopers, but it can be cut down to fit almost anyone... (well, maybe not Jawas). Plus, it comes with a lot of extras (TD clips, rubber gloves and black Nomex flight gloves, flexible hand guards and all Centurion level hardware).

Getting the large parts off of the edges ahead of time will definitely speed things up! I have a large bench sander that will make short work of the final trimming, lol. Just PM me with your availability.

Congrats, Jason! When you begin, just remember to save ALL the scraps, as these can be used for interior cover strips on the biceps, forearms, thighs and calves. Do you have your under suit yet? To add to the differences between Stunt and Hero- Each ear only has 2 screws, one above the ear bar and one at the base. For Level 2 (and above) the ear bar can only have 3 bumps, not 4 like a Stunt bucket. Also, the interior of the Hovi tips on the Stunt helmet are completely white. On the Hero version, only the raised portions in the back are white and the sides are black. Hero Stunt Looking forward to watching your build! Don't forget- I'm only 30 minutes away, and I can help you get your entire kit trimmed and most of it fitted in a few hours.

Hi Moran! Tony ( @ukswrath) has a fantastic list of FOTK supply vendors that will help, and the one that you listed is on there: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/49132-vendors-list-for-your-fotk-build/ Always feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Hi Tanner, and welcome to the FISD! As a general rule, TK armor is shiny and clean, but if you prefer the slightly "weathered" look, you may want to think about a ROTJ build. Since there are many screen references to the ones on Endor, we are looking into amendments to the CRL for a weathered version of this costume. Mark @sskunky here on the FISD makes the most screen accurate ROTJ kit available anywhere and is one of our "tried and true" sellers.

Looking sharp, sir! VERY nice alignment on the thigh/calf and forearm/bicep cover strips.

Looks great, Brady!

Not sure why you would need to replace them. Are your snaps connected to them? Yes on the second question. First Basic (501st) approval, then EI, and after that Centurion!

Looking AWESOME, Thomas! I must say you have really come a long way with this armor, sir... DANG I'm proud of ya'! There are a few issues which you have noted, and as you are aware the ab/kidney and thigh ammo pack rivets will need to be painted, but overall a fantastic build! I have a question for you, though... do you have padding in the top of the bucket? The reason I ask is that it seems to ride pretty high. Although it will not affect approval at any level, having it that high may affect your field of vision. I had padding in the top of my first bucket, but found that I was constantly having to tilt my helmet forward just to be able to see. Outstanding alignment on the thigh/calf and bicep/forearm cover strips! I expect to see your submission in the "pre-approval" area soon... after that, it's Basic, EI, and then on to Centurion!

When trimming the small (4 button) plate, as seen in the reference image Mario supplied, note that the corners are also squared off and do not extend beyond the ridges of the raised area that it is mounted to. It's also worth remembering that the paint does not go all the way to the bottom of the actual button. Those 2 issues are among the most common we see when reviewing a submission for the higher levels, so it's easier to do it now rather than have to go back and fix it later! I would also suggest sanding down the sides of the large plate before gluing and maybe a tiny bit of trimming. You are doing a fantastic job by posting up lots of photos... unfortunately, many future troopers fail to do this (or ask questions) before forging ahead and end up having issues to deal with down the road. Keep up the great work!

Welcome to the FISD James! There is a ton of information here, but don't let it confuse you. The best place to begin is here, where you can find all the basic information you need to get started. If you have any particular questions, you are always more than welcome (and encouraged) to ask. We are here to help every step of the way!

Looking SHARP, Leonard! Excellent work on this AM armor sir.

Looks MUCH better, Thomas! As Mario mentioned, when attaching them to the canvas belt be sure that the outside edges align with the edges of the ABS belt as seen below. Misalignment of these is one of the most common issues we see when approving for Centurion. Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box

Good question, Fred! While ABS contains no carcinogens, the dust can cause a respiratory hazard. I'm not a doctor, but unless you have a chronic lung condition (bronchitis, COPD, asthma, etc.) a basic particle mask should do just fine to protect you. I always recommend using one when doing any trimming with a Dremel (which creates dust) and this should be done outdoors. If you do have a lung condition, I suggest wearing a respirator. Another thing to think about is E-6000. We use it a LOT, but the fumes are incredibly toxic. Although it works fantastic, I ALWAYS suggest using it (and letting the glued items dry) outdoors. Here is a great post on that subject. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/33347-e6000-warnings-read-them-and-wear-a-respirator/ Hope this helps!

Looks a LOT different, and good to go!

Welcome to the home of shiny white armor, Fred... fantastic to have you here! As Glen mentioned, the shades of armor can vary from maker to maker, so sticking with ATA would be your best bet if at all possible. While waiting, I would suggest putting the armor on (with your black under-suit) and posting up a few photos. This way we can give you a heads-up in case there are any issues you may have for Basic approval and put you one step ahead of the game! The build so far looks GREAT! One small thing I did notice is that it appears your right forearm piece looks a little wider and not as tapered as the left one, especially at the wrist. This could very well be because they are not lying at the same angle, though. If it does need to be altered, we can help.... all ya' gotta do is ask. Always feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Hi Cameron! Any updates on your progress?

Congratulations to Ashley (aroberton), TK 21864 for becoming EI # 969! Only 31 more spaces left to a part of the "Original 1000", folks.

Hi Ashley, and thank you for your EI submission! In the following review I will be going over items pertaining to your current submission, as well as those that will be required for Centurion level should you choose to apply. CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required submission photos have been posted and I am very pleased to announce your armor displays all the necessary elements to qualify for ANH Stunt Expert Infantry. On behalf of Sha Sha, Mario and myself, Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by your fellow troopers and ourselves. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. First and foremost, I have to give you BIG props on fitting this AP kit sir! We don't get many 6' 4" troopers here, but you have managed to rock this armor! Are there issues? Yep, but nothing insurmountable, and we are here to help you get to L3! EXCELLENT job on fixing the teeth paint, by the way.. Thanks!! Although not a deal breaker for Level 3, for a better screen accurate appearance we are suggesting that (if possible) you move the ears forward a bit. In a perfect world, the screws should line up with the rear line of the trap above them. Reference images I can see that you have the elastic shoulder straps (first photo) but it appears that your ABS shoulder straps could definitely use a hot water bath, which would allow them to conform better to the back plate. Reference images Being as you are a taller Trooper, the back plate/kidney gap in the rear is an issue. Normally we would suggest dropping the back down a bit, but it looks like you already beat us to it! Since you have it extended all the way, your height is taken into consideration and you are good to go! Reference image Since Level 3 is all about the details, there are a couple of strapping issues on your left bicep/forearm. Note that the left bicep rides up higher than the right one, and I think your strapping is causing the left forearm to ride up as well, creating a symmetry issue. Lowering the left bicep an inch or so should take care of this. Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than those for Expert Infantry, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. The top 2 ear screws on each side are perfect, but the bottom ones will unfortunately need to be replaced for Level 3. As stated in the CRL they must be "countersunk"... in other words V shaped like the ones above them. If you like, I will send you the correct ones at no cost (you gotta' pay shipping, though). Reference images We understand that you are a taller trooper, and it may very well be the position you are standing in, but the gaps between the shoulder bells and back plate are very wide. If I could make a suggestion, it would be to stand straight up with your arms directly by your side for future photos. Reference images When comparing the forearms, the raised area (with the divots) on your right forearm should be facing out like the one on your right. Some simple strapping adjustments would take care of this easily! Reference images EXCELLENT job on the large ab-button plate trimming, and although it's not specifically mentioned in the CRL the small one needs to be taken back a bit. The sides should not extend over the raised ridges, but should sit inside them. This may take some work (I had to do the same thing on my first EI submission) but it makes a big difference in the overall look. Reference images As per the CRL for Level 3, there are 2 issues that need to be addressed. The first is that your ABS belt is riding pretty low, and needs to sit "...just above the bottom of the ... ab button panels". Adding some Velcro behind it and an the bottom of the ab-plate should correct this. Reference images In addition to the ABS belt being raised, the canvas belt should be brought up as well. As it sits now, the lower ab/kidney rivets are visible. Even though you are a taller trooper, these should not be seen, so the bottom of the canvas belt should ride near the bottom of the kidney and not overlap the kidney/posterior plate as much. Easy fix! Reference images Again, although not specifically mentioned in the CRL, for screen accuracy the canvas belt can not have visible holes. Reference image Last up are the drop boxes, brother. This is one of the most common items we see, but really simple to remedy! The outer (back) edges need to align with the rear edge of the ABS ammo belt. You may have to trim off some of the strapping in the back, but some well placed E-6000 would bring those right in line! Reference images Overall a super nice job on this armor, Ashley! There are a few items to address, but I have confidence that you will go the extra mile to get to Level 3 and I congratulate you on your new rank as part of the Expert Infantry!

I have GOT to stop watching things like this while I cut onions.....

Hi Ashley! Your review is ready to go except for one small detail, brother. It has been pointed out that the paint on your teeth needs to come back a bit. I know this is a small detail, but it is actually a requirement for Basic approval. 10 minutes with a toothpick, a few cotton swabs and some Goo-Gone would get them right where they need to be! After that, add some new pics and we can get you approved at EI!! Reference images Note distinct gap between the tops/bottoms of the teeth

Welcome to the TRUE home of shiny white armor, Devin! Know that not only are you in the right place, but that you have an entire Detachment of folks who are here to help you every step of the way on your journey to become a member of the 501st community and a "real" Stormtrooper! We welcome those those who want to join our ranks, and are here to answer any and all questions you may have so never be shy about asking for advice! (It's what we do best)!